Murcian school of the second half of the 18th century.

Murcian school of the second half of the eighteenth century.
"Piper.
Figure of Bethlehem in polychrome terracotta.
Wooden base.
Presents marks of use and wear.
Measurements: 23 x 8 x 7,5 cm.

Murcian terracotta sculpture representing a piper. It is a figure of nativity scene, a typical character that integrates traditional representations of birth to add a note of folklore and festive celebration to the scene. Although the bagpipes are not originally from Murcia, the nativity scene includes figures that evoke a diversity of customs and traditions from different regions. The piper we show here stands out for the naturalistic imprint of his attire and the expressiveness of his countenance. He wears sandals and protects his calves with leggings. He holds the bagpipes with both hands, as he has stopped playing to keep silent in the sacredness of the moment. This type of figures reinforces the value of the Murcian nativity scene as a living work of craftsmanship, as it was in the 18th century, where trades and characters of daily life are mixed with festive elements to create a Christmas scene rich in symbolism and cultural details.